long time no post here...

well, recently i've been having trouble starting my pickup .. 91 22r-e .. for a while when i turn the key and hold it in the start position it takes about 4-5 seconds to actually fire up.. i had to hold the key turned .. now it doesnt start at all.. all the lights light up so the battery is good, plus i just replaced it .. i get nothing when i turn the key... no noise, nothing.. only when i let off the key and i'm guessing its the starter clicking .. i've replaced the starter too, probably 6-8 months ago .. any ideas??

 

Ignition switch

 

i suppose that could be the problem.. someone had told me to wiggle the key around in the cylinder and try and start it.. well when i did that it would fire everytime first try, no holding the key.. out of nowhere it just doesnt start anymore, even wiggling the key and holding the key turned.. very frustrating since i need my truck to get around.. stuck at home sucks

 

so, anyone else think ignition switch too? probably gonna head to the pick n pull and see if i can find anything this weekend .. just have to use the womans cars when she's not

 

If your starter clicks I would guess not the switch. How are your battery cables? Make sure there's no corrosion - it can get in between the clamp and battery post where you can't see it.

Wait I think I misread... So you would hold the switch in the start position and nothing would happen for 4-5 seconds? Than all the sudden turn over and start? And if you wiggle the switch this doesn't (or didn't) happen? If that's the case clearly your switch and/or wiring right near it are having problems.

 

yes.. thats whats happening.. it first started w/ the holding for 4-5 seconds in the ON position before it would fire.. then i tried wiggling the key, it started firing right up after that.. now recently, wont fire at all.. neither method works anymore

 

ok.. well i havent had any time to fix the problem and not sure when i will, but i need my truck.. lol... anyway to get it to start another way than the key.. ie: hotwire.. lol

 

It could also be worn linkages between the cylinder and switch. I think you'll have to just pull the covers off of the column and take a look at them.

 

i got a little time today.. might start takin stuff apart.. lol.. plus its cool outside

 

i was also thinking.. could it be a worn key.. because my key has seen its better days.. lol...

i have a dealership literally 2 minutes away.. i'll see what it costs to have a new key made

 

The key has nothing to do with the electrical part of the switch, as far as making it start. The electrical part of the ignition switch is mounted behind the part were the key goes into the ignition.

 

yea.. found that out.. new key didnt work.. oh well, only $1.18 and i needed it anyways to have a spare..

now how to get that ignition switch off .. i've looked and there doesnt seem to be anything visible mounting it on there.. do i just pull it out?

 

it kinda wiggles a lil when i mess w/ it

 

Are you talking about the lock cylinder or the switch, which is located on the column up under the dash?

 

The switch.... its the white thing on the back of the cylinder right?

 

Try tapping on starter while someone cranks...my new starter did this after 6 months ..got a bad starter

 

went and pulled an ignition switch from the pick'n pull yard... put it in, still nothing.. i think my problem lies elsewhere.. i hear the starter .... turn the key *light click from starter* let off key *louder click from starter* .. new battery, starter 6-8 months old

 

either your not getting enough fire to turn the starter, bad connection faulty ground etc...

or your starter is not engaging faulty solenoid


my starter went out and made the same noises you described i ended up having to put new contacts in it (I know you said it was new)

As far as the fire goes I have seen the wire from the battery to the starter have corrosion or loose connections on either end and I have also seen the wire itself loose its ability to transfer current, check it with a meeter.

Based on your 4-5 sec delay, new ign switch, and a new battery i would assume your problem is between the battery an the starter, might try checking replacing that wire first.

 

I think Red is on the right track.

 

i'll check it out .. thanks for the tips